LOWICK.LIVE.LETTER
NEW VILLAGE BOUNDARY PROPOSAL PROPOSED
A VILLAGE BOUNDARY, outside which no development would be permitted, is just one of the proposals to be put to the vote later in 2018, when the NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN for LOWICK PARISH gets a referendum.
Here is a Picture of the proposal – come and comment at the PLAN OPEN DAY later in June.
Full details are on the NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN WEBSITE.
NEW COMMUNITY ASSETS
KYLOE VIEW PLOT
The village council is applying to transfer ownership of the land behind Kyloe View from Northumberland County Council to the Parish. The small area was once used by the tennants of Kyloe View as allotments, but these were given up many years ago.
More recently, the sadly defunct Lowick in Bloom had its base there, growing plants in a poly-tunnel for the various tubs around the village.
Only recently has it become apparent that NCC owned it – and when we inquired about this, they immediately asked us if they could hand it over to the village, so we said yes!
We hope it will be handed over with all the trees in good order, so that we can start with a clean slate.
As to its future, the Parish Council wants to ensure that it is available for any sound village project – whether like Lowick in Bloom, or related to the Village Hall, or maybe even allotments – if ever these are needed, once again.
THE VILLAGE WAR MEMORIAL
The land on which the Village War Memorial Stands is not owned or registered. In wishing to ensure that future generations can enjoy this space as a memorial site, and green space for the community, the Parish Council is seeking the best way to register this as a village asset with UK Land Registry.
It proposes to include only the area at present covered by grass, and leave the track round about as having no owner.
If you have views about transfering these spaces into community ownership, please let us know, via lowickparishcouncil@btconnect.com.
LOWICK AND HOLY ISLAND SCHOOLS SEEK FEDERATION
The two schools that serve Lowick and Holy Island have put forward a proposal to merge in the near future. The Federation of the schools should protect them for the foreseeable future and help ensure that the education of our children remains local – and that no long journeys to other schools will be necessary.
The period of consultation for the proposal ends on 29th May 2018 and public meetings have already been held on both Holy Island and in Lowick. Mrs Simpson will continue to be the Head of both schools.
The two schools, if Federated, would have one Governing Body, formed by amalgamating the two sets of governors into one. Current arrangements for premises, budget and inspection would remain. Each will maintain its current Church of England status – with Lowick as Voluntary Controlled, and Holy Island as Voluntary Aided.
Advantages are said to include the benefit of a greater variety of teaching expertise; increased opportunities to work with children in other schools, strong leadership for the schools in their communities; better opportunities to manage challenges and change; and a greater range of available resources.
The governing body for the Federation would have 11 governors – The Headteacher, 1 LEA, 1 Staff, 3 Foundation, 3 Co-opted and 2 Parent. Governors focus on providing strategic leadership, holding the Headteacher to account, and oversee financial management, ensuring value for money.
Anyone wishing to comment on the proposals could seek more information from their chosen first school, or by emailing the Clerk of Governors: enid.scott@northumberland.gov.uk. Comment may be emailed to the Clerk, or sent in writing to Chairs of Governors, Lowick and Holy Island First Schools, Lowick C of E First School, 30 Main Street,Lowick, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 2UA.
POTHOLE COMPETITION
If you are observant you will have noticed the number of potholes is diminishing as the County Council’s [NCC] team of contractors has gone round renewing road surfaces.
Please help NCC by going online and reporting any new or persistent problems with holes in the road. Parish Councillors will report any they see, and any which do not receive attention will be followed up at PC meetings.
There is a link to the pothole problem reporter on this website.
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